Description
Welcome to the opening panel of Stoicon 2025! This session kicks off the event with a deep dive into "the relationship between Stoicism and engaged citizenship".
Join us as a panel of distinguished scholars and practitioners explore the foundations of Stoic ethics, moving beyond personal resilience to discuss our natural role as active members of a global community. The discussion covers how ancient Stoics viewed citizenship, what "engagement" truly means in the context of virtue and our "life project," and how we can apply these concepts in the 21st century.
The panel also fields an audience question about Hierocles' circles, offering practical clarifications on oikeiôsis (affinity) and how to balance our care for ourselves, our loved ones, and all of humanity.
Meet the Panelists
- Christopher Gill: Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought at the University of Exeter, editor of Oxford World Classics translations of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, and author of Stoic Ethics: The Basics (2024).
- John Sellers: Reader in the History of Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, and author of Lessons in Stoicism and The Pocket Stoic.
- Tim LeBon: Psychotherapist, philosophical counselor, Director of Research at Modern Stoicism, and author of 365 Ways to Be More Stoic.
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In this session
0:00 - Welcome & Introduction of Panelists
0:43 - Main Question: How did the ancient Stoics talk about engaged citizenship?
0:54 - (Christopher Gill) The broad Stoic definition of citizenship, from family to the "community of humankind."
1:18 - (Christopher Gill) How "engagement" is part of the Stoic "life project" of developing virtue.
1:48 - (John Sellers) Citizenship as "entirely natural"; Stoics believe we are "fundamentally social beings by nature."
2:20 - (Tim LeBon) How modern research (Stoic Week) shows Stoicism includes virtue, cosmopolitanism, and benevolence.
2:44 - (Tim LeBon) The link between Stoic practice and "zest" (energy and purpose).
3:21 - (Tim LeBon) Practical Advice: The power of being a "good role model."
3:46 - (John Sellers) Stoicism has no simple "set of rules"; it's about cultivating values to apply in unique situations.
4:15 - (John Sellers) The Marcus Aurelius mindset: "We're all on the same team."
4:48 - (Christopher Gill) Using Stoic principles as a "loadstar" to guide political engagement and counter narrow nationalism.
5:46 - Audience Q&A: How to practice Hierocles' circles (oikeiôsis) without forgetting the inner circles.
6:07 - (Christopher Gill) We don't pull everyone into the center; we "gradually pull people further in."
6:35 - (Tim LeBon) The "oxygen mask" analogy: Securing your own resilience first.
7:01 - (Tim LeBon) Shifting from "random acts of kindness" to "rational acts of kindness."
7:30 - (John Sellers) The key to Hierocles: You "pull the circles closer to the center," you don't spread yourself thin.
8:00 - Final clarification on impartiality and care.